While other teams locked in top free agent after top free agent, general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah signed a CB3, Isaiah Rodgers (Eagles) who’s spent way more time during the first few seasons of his NFL career either on the bench or suspended, than on the field. Shortly after that, they signed depth safety Bubba Bolden, who has zero snaps of regular season NFL experience under his belt.

Related: Minnesota Vikings Free Agency Signings – 2025

But this evening, Kwesi finally started cooking a little bit out in Eagan. First, news broke that the Minnesota Vikings had agreed to terms with 31-year-old 4X Pro Bowl center, Ryan Kelly, which begs all sorts of questions regarding Garrett Bradbury’s role in purple, going forward.

Minnesota Vikings sign Byron Murphy Jr to massive new contract

Minnesota’s most significant, and expensive, signing of the day didn’t come until late, though. Around 8:30 p.m. CDT, Tom Pelissero (NFL Network) broke the news that 27-year-old top cornerback, Byron Murphy Jr was returning on a 3-year, $66 million contract. Per Josina Anderson, $35 million is guaranteed at signing.

The #Vikings and Pro Bowl CB Byron Murphy agreed to terms on a monster three-year, $66 million contract — a $22M average per year, sources tell me and @RapSheet.

Agent Zeke Sandhu of @KlutchSports negotiated the deal, which keeps Murphy in Minnesota after his breakout season. pic.twitter.com/hd5ZiUnDmg

— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) March 11, 2025

The Minnesota Vikings worked hard to get Byron Murphy Jr under contract before the NFL negotiating period began, but were unable to strike a deal. Talks fell apart last week. So, what got the two sides back to talking on Monday.

In all likelihood, the Vikings realized that Murphy was going to get paid over $20 million per season, just like his representation had been holding out for. Thus, his deal comes in at $22 million per season, which makes him a to 5 most handsomely paid CBs in the NFL, behind only Jaycee Horn, Jalen Ramsey and Patrick Surtain II.

Related: Vikings Young Safety Finds Greener Pastures

In his first two seasons with as a MN Viking, Byron Murphy Jr collected 138 tackles, 10 TFL, 2 forced fumbles, 27 passes defended and 9 interceptions (6 last season), the University of Washington alum’s best NFL season so far. Murphy Jr was graded a 72.8 overall by PFF on defense last year, including a 72.6 coverage grade.

At cornerback, the Vikings depth chart should be called the lack of depth chart, because they currently have no depth at the position. All four of the Vikings most relied upon CBs from last season — Byron Murphy Jr, Stephon Gilmore, Shaq Griffin and Fabian Moreau — are scheduled to hit free agency next week.

Stephon Gilmore is supposedly pondering retirement, Shaq Griffin is expected to be gettable again, if Minnesota wants him back. But the biggest question needing answered at CB revolves around 27-year-old cornerback Byron Murphy Jr, easily the most valuable secondary asset the Vikings held, entering the offseason.

Contract talks between Minnesota Vikings and Byron Murphy Jr falling apart…?

According to all reports, the Minnesota Vikings wanted Byron Murphy Jr back in the worst way, and negotiations had been ongoing recently. Earlier this week, Murphy even got fans excited when he posted a Vikings-heavy highlight story to his Instagram account, as many thought he might be hinting at a yet to be announced extension.

Report: Nobody Knows Who is Calling the Shots for Vikings

Unfortunately, it looks like talks between Murphy Jr and the Minnesota Vikings are not going as well as each side would have hoped. According to Jordan Schultz (FOX Sports), as we head into the weekend, the Vikings have not able to reach an agreement with Byron Murphy Jr, who is now expected to hit free agency on Wednesday.

Sources: While Minnesota wants him back, free agent CB Byron Murphy is poised to hit the open market on Monday when the legal tampering period begins, and he’s anticipated to have a strong market.

The 27-year-old is coming off a Pro Bowl season and has totaled nine interceptions… pic.twitter.com/mPOenOkAaQ

— Jordan Schultz (@Schultz_Report) March 7, 2025

We’ve talked plenty about Sam Darnold, and whether or not to believe recent reports tying their 27-year-old former No. 3 overall draft QB back to Minnesota, for an encore to his breakout 2024 season. But there’s no doubt the fate of Byron Murphy Jr is next up on the list of talented free agents set to hit the market on March 12.

What will the Vikings lose if Murphy Jr walks?

In his two years with Minnesota, Byron Murphy Jr collected 138 tackles, 10 TFL, 2 forced fumbles, 27 passes defended and 9 interceptions, six of which came in 2024, the University of Washington alum’s best NFL season so far. Murphy Jr was graded a 72.8 overall by PFF on defense last season, including a 72.6 coverage grade.

On Thursday, the MN Vikings extended the other safety they drafted in 2022, 6th round pick Theo Jackson out of Tennessee. That seemed to signal the end of Cam Bynum’s time in purple. Recent reports also suggest that future Ring of Honor member, Harrison Smith, is expected to come back for his 14th NFL season.

Related: Schefter No Longer Buying Sam Darnold + Vikings Rumors

But if Murphy Jr doesn’t come back, it’s a guarantee the Minnesota Vikings secondary will look a lot different next season. Assuming he leaves, we can expect whoever is running the operation in Eagan to turn their focus to other names at the top of the cornerback free agency market.

The Vikings secondary, on the other hand, looks like that Will Smith empty room meme. Those set to hit free agency include safety Cam Bynum, along with cornerbacks Byron Murphy Jr, Stephon Gilmore and Shaq Griffin. Legendary safety Harrison Smith is also considering retirement.

Minnesota Vikings have a major defensive backs shortage

As of Friday, the MN Vikings are scheduled to have just one returning defensive back — hybrid safety Josh Metellus (1,030 snaps) — that played more than 30 defensive snaps last season. The pending free agent list of defensive backs even includes backups (CB) Fabian Moreau, (S) Theo Jackson and (S) Bobby McCain, who got 79 and 30 defensive snaps respectively in 2024, are both due for free agency.

We know the Minnesota Vikings are going to bring some, but not all, of these defensive backs back for 2025. There is no way they will go into next season with a completely fresh secondary.

That’s one large reason why the Vikings are so open to Harrison Smith returning. Because, if he does return, the 36-year-old future Ring of Honor member is expected to give his $6.5M salary yet another major haircut.

Related: Failing to Tag Sam Darnold Would Be Organizational Malpractice by Vikings

But no matter what Harry the Hitman decides, general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah will have to bring back more secondary talent than that. So… who are the Vikings trying to bring back out of this large group of pending unrestricted free agent defensive backs?

MN Vikings making CB Byron Murphy Jr a top priority

Well, according to Darren “Doogie” Wolfson, one of their top priorities is Byron Murphy Jr, their 27-year-old CB1, who is by far the most expensive asset in their secondary. Murphy Jr recorded 81 tackles, 14 pass deflections and 6 interceptions, the latter of which ranked fifth among NFL cornerbacks and most on the Vikings.

“He loves it here, the Vikings love him. I know he loves it here. I had a number of conversations with him throughout the season about how much he enjoys being here, so he is a priority. Very curious to see if they can get that thing done. You know, whether it’s March 10, March 11, leading into the official signing date of March 12, but absolutely a priority.”

Darren Wolfson – Mackey & Judd Show (SKOR North)

Last season, Byron Murphy Jr allowed an average of 4.6 receptions per game for 50.11 yards, with a total of 4 touchdowns conceded, placing him in the top 25 in the league for fewest touchdowns allowed among corners with at least 500 snaps.

Related: Minnesota Vikings Newest QB Still on the Table for 2025

Also according to Pro Football Focus (PFF), Murphy finished tied for second among NFC cornerbacks in 2024 with a defensive grade of 73.4 (73.5 Coverage grade). During a three-game stretch between weeks 8 and 10, Byron Murphy Jr earned an average 86.3 PFF grade, allowing just 2 first downs, while reeling in 3 interceptions.

But there’s a catch…

But there’s a catch to all of this Minnesota Vikings good will effort toward signing their best young cornerback. He’s going to be very expensive. Spotrac.com has his annual value pegged at over $20 million, a price Kwesi may find too expensive for the Vikings’ blood.

“I know they want him back. I just don’t know, is there some other team, whether it’s the Raiders or you name the franchise that is just going to blow him away where he’s going to have to say yes to that particular offer? That in the end, the Vikings make a very nice offer but it’s not the most lucrative offer. Then, what is the decision? But make no mistake, the Vikings want Byron Murphy Jr back.”

Darren Wolfson – Mackey & Judd Show (SKOR North)

This is probably going to be the case most of the time that Kwesi Adofo-Mensah is running the Minnesota Vikings front office. While this team has an obvious need at CB and Byron Murphy Jr is their best CB1 option, Kwesi is unlikely to pay him top market value to return.

It’s very possible we see a more spend-happy franchise, like the Las Vegas Raiders, come in with an offer that blows the best and final from Minnesota out of the water. If that happens, the Vikings aren’t going to reach for value they do not believe is worth the squeeze.

Related: Former Minnesota Vikings Punter Arrested for Anti-MAGA Protest

Some of what eventually plays out will likely have to do with how much Murphy J prioritizes his familiarity with defensive coordinator Brian Flores and his love for the Minnesota Vikings organization over making top dollar. If so, what is that happy medium?

Some of those decisions will be a lot easier than others, but nonetheless, there are plenty of them. But without a doubt, some pending free agents are obviously more important than others. Those are the guys who usually cost a lot more to bring back, too.

Related: Local Insiders Seem Prematurely Sold on Vikings’ Ultimate Plan for Sam Darnold

One main area of concern for the Minnesota Vikings between now and the start of free agency on March 12 is in the secondary, where they stand to lose all five (classic-style) defensive backs who played the majority of snaps for them last season.

Those possible departures include S Harrison Smith (retirement), S Cam Bynum (UFA), CB Stephon Gilmore (UFA/Retirement), CB Shaq Griffin (UFA) and CB Byron Murphy Jr (UFA), the latter of whom’s contract was set to void today, which would have made any talks of a return to Minnesota a lot more difficult.

Minnesota Vikings agree to extend negotiating window with Byron Murphy Jr.

That’s why, on Tuesday before those void years hit, the Vikings and Murphy Jr agreed to push out his contract void date to March 11, the day before NFL free agency begins. ESPN insider Dan Graziano explained what this procedural move means for negotiations between the Vikings and their top cornerback, which no longer includes an option to franchise tag.

Per a league source, the Vikings and CB Byron Murphy have agreed to push back the void date on his contract. Originally, the deal voided 23 days prior to the start of the league year (either today or tomorrow). Now, it’s the day before the start of the league year, which means…

— Dan Graziano (@DanGrazianoESPN) February 18, 2025

Originally, [Byron Murphy Jr’s] deal voided 23 days prior to the start of the league year (either today or tomorrow). Now, it’s the day before the start of the league year, which means Murphy cannot be franchised (since that date is past the deadline for teams to use the franchise tag).

Dan Graziano – ESPN (from tweet above)

This is the same move that the Minnesota Vikings made late last week, with running back Aaron Jones, who has made clear his intentions to remain in purple for as long as possible. While this announcement does make it more likely we see either or both of Jones and Murphy Jr. back with the Vikings, a reunion for either guy is far from imminent.

As noted by local ESPN Vikings beat writer, Kevin Seifert, the last two offseasons Minnesota was able to extend the window of both Dalvin Tomlinson (2023) and Marcus Davenport (2024), but ultimately still failed to reach an agreement by the newly set deadline. Both defensive linemen walked.

Related: Vikings Had Another Staff Member Hired Away Recently

It’s also worth mentioning that the MN Vikings did not reach any sort of extension on the negotiating window for Sam Darnold. This is important because, unlike Murphy Jr, it leaves open the possibility that he will be tagged by the Vikings before the deadline hits on March 4. Again, Graziano explains (tweet above continued).

Interestingly, [the Vikings] did NOT reach the same agreement [to extend negotiations] with QB Sam Darnold, whose contract still voids 23 days before the start of the league year [today or tomorrow]. If they don’t do a new deal with Darnold before the contract voids, then $5 million in remaining signing bonus proration would accelerate onto their 2025 salary cap as dead money for Sam Darnold. Upshot here: They still CAN franchise Darnold, but can’t franchise Murphy or Aaron Jones (who also pushed his void date back).

Dan Graziano – ESPN (from tweet above)

That’s because, unlike most offseasons, head coach Kevin O’Connell and GM Kwesi Adofo-Mensah have a huge decision to make over the next few weeks on whether or not to use their franchise and/or transition tags on QB Sam Darnold.

Related: Will the Vikings Let Sam Darnold Walk for Free? NFL GMs and Agents Say No Chance

Their 27-year-old 2024 MVP candidate is due to be a free agent and the MN Vikings don’t want to pay him long-term, after drafting JJ McCarthy with the 10th overall pick last April. That’s what brings these tags into play.

What is the NFL Franchise Tag, Transition Tag?

What is a Franchise Tag in the NFL? When franchise tagged, a pending unrestricted free agent is (essentially) forced into a one-year contract with his incumbent team. His salary is non-negotiable on the franchise tag (average top 5 at position over last five seasons)

What is a Transition Tag? Unlike the franchise tag, a transition tag is only worth top 10 average positional salary and it doesn’t guarantee a free agent returns to his incumbent team. Instead, it basically turns the “unrestricted” designation into a “restricted” one. A transition tagged player’s origin team can match any offer sheet that may come his way next month.

If tagged, the Vikings could keep Sam around for one season, but it would cost about $40 million and make building the 2025 roster much more difficult. But really good QBs in their mid-20’s are next to impossible to find, making both tags intriguing options, even if they’re rarely used most of the time.

Using the tag on quarterback Sam Darnold would be an expensive way of ensuring his return while avoiding a longer-term commitment that would hinder J.J. McCarthy‘s eventual ascension. It could also be a way to elicit additional value by way of a trade, but that would require a knowledge that multiple teams would be willing to bid.

Kevin Seifert – ESPN

So, placing either tag on Darnold would allow the Minnesota Vikings time to either (a) negotiate a short-term deal with Sam or (b) negotiate a trade that recoups them some draft capital, for such a high-demand offseason asset. What’s the problem? There is concern that demand for Sam Darnold on the trade market won’t be as high as the Vikings hope.

Minnesota Vikings looking to franchise tag Byron Murphy Jr., not Sam Darnold

That’s why, according to Kevin Seifert (ESPN), the Minnesota Vikings are not expected to use either the franchise tag or transition tag on the former No. 3 overall draft pick out of USC. The longtime NFL insider and current MN Vikings beat writer, reports that Kwesi & Co “seem more likely to let Darnold Sign elsewhere”. If they choose to use their tag, Seifert writes, they’re more likely to use it on pending free agent CB Byron Murphy Jr.

In the end, the Vikings seem more likely to let Darnold sign elsewhere and preserve their tag for a player such as cornerback Byron Murphy Jr., who had a career-high six interceptions in 2024 and is hitting his prime at age 27. If nothing else, it would give the Vikings time to sign Murphy to a longer-term deal while keeping him off the market.

Kevin Seifert – ESPN

Using the franchise tag on Byron Murphy Jr would be a lot more palatable, from a 2025 financial standpoint. Murphy, who is projected by Spotrac to receive $22 million per season (4 years, $88M) in free agency, would get a projected $20 million this season if he plays on the franchise tag.

• Byron Murphy Jr 2024 Stats & PFF Grades: 17 G | 81 TK | 6 INT | 14 PD | 72.8 PFF (72.6 COV)

The Minnesota Vikings have until March 4 to place either tag on Darnold (or any other player). For some context, it’s worth noting that the Vikings have only used their franchise tag three times in franchise history (it was created in 1993).

Safety Anthony Harris was tagged in 2020, Chad Greenway in 2011 and Jim Kleinsasser in 2003. The Vikings have never used their transition tag. NFL free agency officially begins on March 12. The negotiating (AKA: legal tampering) period starts on March 10. Buckle up…

Two key pending free agent defensive backs that the Vikings have to make decisions on sooner than later are safety Cam Bynum and cornerback Byron Murphy Jr. Both have had strong seasons, both are in line for raises and both contracts are due to void on Monday.

Minnesota Vikings picking and choosing between defensive backs

The Minnesota Vikings have money to play with but they have a lot of pending free agents, too. Nonetheless, the secondary stands out as one position group that is really in flux, with all six of the most important players (Smith, Bynum, Murphy, Gilmore, Metellus and Griffin) all set to hit free agency or retire.

So, what are general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah and defensive coordinator Brian Flores going to do? Well according to a new report from ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler, the Vikings are currently leaning toward re-signing Cam Bynum, who was drafted in 2021 and coming off his rookie contract. Unfortunately, same cannot be said for how conversations are currently looking between the front office and cornerback Byron Murphy Jr…

Several free agents — Byron Murphy II, Camryn Bynum, Cam Robinson, Aaron Jones — could get cushy deals elsewhere, but GM Kwesi Adofo-Mensah has shown adaptability in adding new talent. (A prime example is last season’s pass-rush duo of Jonathan Greenard and Andrew Van Ginkel.) In the secondary, the sense here is Murphy walks but Bynum could stay under a new deal.

Jeremy Fowler – ESPN

Fowler brings up a solid point. We know for that that the MN Vikings GM isn’t afraid to let players walk if it means finding better cap-friendly options. Last season was a perfect example of that. He let vets like Kirk Cousins and Danielle Hunter walk.

Then, he replaced them with less proven, but cheaper options, Sam Darnold, Jonathan Greenard and Andrew Van Ginkel, all of whom had standout years. Now, we can expect to see the same at a lot of these other positions (plus QB again).

Why Cam Bynum over Byron Murphy Jr?

Now that some of these aging defensive backs are wanting to get paid, there will be some that the GM sees as worthy and others who are not. Cam Bynum and Byron Murphy Jr are both going to get paid this offseason and it sounds like the Minnesota Vikings aren’t willing to put that many financial eggs into their secondary basket.

I’d imagine Bynum is the favorite because he’ll be cheaper. Murphy is now projected to get $22.1 million per year (4 years) this offseason, according to Spotrac. Bynum won’t be cheap, either. He is projected to make $17.7 million per year (3 years) by the same projections, making it much less risky.

Related: What are the Vikings Odds to Land Aaron Rodgers? Pretty Good…

Camryn Bynum was on the field for 1,056 snaps this season for the Minnesota Vikings, finishing with 67 solo tackles and three interceptions. His performance earned him a 61.6 grade from Pro Football Focus. Meanwhile, Byron Murphy Jr. logged 1,109 snaps, recording 72 tackles and six interceptions. He posted a 73.4 PFF grade and capped off his season with a Pro Bowl selection.

If Fowler’s sense’s are accurate, saying goodbye to Murphy won’t be easy. The cornerback, who joined Minnesota in the summer of 2023, put together two solid seasons in purple. But that’s just the reality of the business. Now, it’s a waiting game to see what the MN Vikings decide officially.

It’s pretty likely that not every free agent from Minnesota will hit the open market. The Vikings could opt to bring back talent who they already know, so they’ll need to make those decisions on a case-by-case basis.

MN Vikings free agents generating early buzz

There are far more than just 50 free agents hitting the open market this offseason. The Minnesota Vikings have nearly 30 of them on their own. Still, ESPN Analyst Matt Bowen recently put together a ranking of the top 50. Multiple Vikings players appear and Jeremy Fowler then provided an update on each of them.

6. Sam Darnold, QB

Ranked as the top quarterback available, Darnold is looking for a sizable payday. He earned that much with his great season. It’s possible that the Vikings bring him back on the franchise tag, and they could look to trade him as well.

“Several execs have Darnold in that Baker Mayfield range of contracts, which is around three years and $100 million with strong guarantees. The Raiders and Giants — both picking outside the top two spots in the draft — might need to pay a quarterback.”

Jeremy Fowler on Darnold (ESPN)

Darnold finished with 4,319 yards and 35 touchdowns during his first season in Minnesota. He threw only 12 interceptions and wound up playing much better than the bridge quarterback he was expected to be. However, his performance in the last two games on the season may have hurt his market a bit.

This Sam Darnold throw is the definition of a DIME 🤯 pic.twitter.com/4BegUyBJ60

— NFL (@NFL) December 17, 2024

Minnesota has a potential franchise quarterback in the form of 1st round pick J.J. McCarthy. Darnold isn’t a lock to be back, but he should see a nice raise no matter what.

Related: NFL Pro Bowl Adds Another Minnesota Vikings Player to NFC Roster

14. Cam Robinson, OT

When the season started Robinson was a member of the Jacksonville Jaguars. Had the Vikings been bad, they probably wouldn’t have traded for him, after losing Christian Darrisaw against the Detroit Lions. Now though, he hits the open market and it’s hard to see a fit with him returning to Minnesota.

“Robinson quite possibly played his way above the $20-million-per-year threshold, with the recent precedent of Garett Bolles‘ four-year, $82 million deal in Denver as a comp. The Rams and Chiefs are among teams that could be looking for left tackle help. And a return to Minnesota isn’t totally off the table, after the Vikings traded for Robinson at midseason.”

Fowler on Robinson (ESPN)

It’s odd to think of Robinson being a fit for Minnesota, but Fowler isn’t ready to rule that out. That could be a reflection of where Darrisaw is at after suffering a season-ending injury. The Vikings aren’t going to pay tackle money for Robinson and play him at guard. He also probably isn’t taking a discount to move inside.

The Vikings certainly need to shore up the interior of their offensive line this offseason. That will be a focus whether Robinson is an answer or not.

20. Byron Murphy Jr., CB

Minnesota is facing complete turnover at the cornerback position. Stephon Gilmore, Shaq Griffin, and Murphy Jr. are all free agents. It seems Murphy Jr. is the most likely to return, but it won’t happen on the type of deal he signed two years ago.

“Sources say Murphy will be looking for a rather large raise from the two-year, $17.5 million deal he just played out in Minnesota. He has played his way into bigger money.”

Fowler on Murphy Jr. (ESPN)

The past two seasons Murphy Jr. has started 31 games for the MN Vikings. This year he picked off six passes, which nearly passed his eight total career interceptions to that point.

Byron Murphy Jr. picks off Flacco! @Vikings ball!

📺: #INDvsMIN on NBC/Peacock
📱: Stream on #NFLPlus pic.twitter.com/7TApKh6Mzo

— NFL (@NFL) November 4, 2024

Related: Vikings Defensive Assistant Lands New Job Interview

It would be great to see the Vikings bring Murphy Jr. back, but he’s going to eat a sizable chunk out of their available cap space if that happens.

29. Camryn Bynum, S

Similar to the cornerback situation, the Vikings safety room could see real turnover as well. Harrison Smith is likely to retire, and Bynum hitting the open market would leave only Josh Metellus among starters. Minnesota appears motivated to keep their safety around, though.

“The Vikings and Bynum have had discussions about an extension. While nothing has materialized, both sides are open to it, and this could get done before mid-March.”

Fowler on Bynum (ESPN)

It would be a big boost for the Vikings to get a deal done with Bynum before he hits the open market. Not needing to negotiate against other teams would be helpful, and the continuity he provides in the secondary is a big deal.

Bynum has become a fan favorite in Minnesota and has spent his whole career with the Vikings. His three interceptions this season were a career-best, and he contributed 96 tackles as well.

Cam Bynum told me on Friday he and Josh Metellus had cooked up their best celebration yet. It was … the dance battle from “White Chicks”.

pic.twitter.com/ySkRqrZLT5

— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) December 8, 2024

If the Vikings are going to move on, it’s a near certainty that their celebration excellence would take a significant hit.

33. Aaron Jones, RB

Another position that Minnesota will need to address this season is running back. Jones and Cam Akers are both free agents. That leaves just Ty Chandler as tested options. The former Green Bay Packer is probably open to a return, but he’ll also be 31 years old.

“Expect Denver to look for a versatile back to bolster Sean Payton’s offense. Could Jones fit the mold despite his age? He’s the kind of runner/pass catcher who just might.”

Fowler on Jones (ESPN)

Despite it being his eighth season in the league, Jones posted a career-best 1,138 yards this season. He was healthy for all 17 games as well. Both of those things are good. That doesn’t mean they predict future success though.

The Vikings have to decide if they think he replicates that success next season, they want to pay a higher price, and they believe he’ll remain healthy. Those are all questionable circumstances and drafting in a deep running back class might make more sense.

Minnesota landed five players among Bowen’s top 50, and that speaks to the quality that Kevin O’Connell had on his roster this year.

Related: Four Pending Free Agents the Vikings Need to Bring Back

In fact, there has even been chatter among insider circles that Harry the Hitman may be pondering a 14th NFL season in 2025, especially if Brian Flores returns as defensive coordinator, who Smith has built a strong relationships with, over the past two years.

Report: Minnesota Vikings secondary will lose Harrison Smith this offseason

Don’t tell that to local columnist and insider Charley Walters (Pioneer Press), who wrote pretty matter of factly on Sunday that the 29th overall pick from the 2012 NFL Draft is planning to retire when the season is over (see below).

With Smith hanging up his cleats, head coach Kevin O’Connell and defensive coordinator Brian Flores (or his replacement) will need to trust other players to lead the Vikings’ secondary. And according to Walters, they have a post Harrison Smith plan in place that includes extensions for both Byron Murphy Jr and (probably) Cam Bynum.

“It’s clear the Vikings will re-sign cornerback Byron Murphy, who has six interceptions this season, and probably safety Cam Bynum, because it’s unlikely Harrison Smith, who turns 36 next month after 13 seasons, will return.”

Charley Walters on the Vikings secondary (Pioneer Press)

During his illustrious Minnesota Vikings career, Harrison Smith has played in 192 regular season games. He has racked up 1,126 total tackles, has 37 interceptions, and 20.5 career interceptions.

The six-time Pro Bowl selection, and one-time All-Pro is likely to be a strong candidate for enshrinement in the Hall of Fame. No doubt he will be a Vikings Ring of Honor member very quickly.

HOF Harry doing HOF things.

📺: @SNFonNBC pic.twitter.com/Xc217Y1YBm

— Minnesota Vikings (@Vikings) January 6, 2025

Byron Murphy Jr and Cam Bynum receiving extensions?

Cornerback Byron Murphy Jr. just finished his second regular season in Minnesota, where the soon-to-be 27-year-old has taken his game to another level, intercepting NINE passes (including a career-high six INTs in 2024) and defending another 27.

Related: Vikings Insider Warns: Do Not Discount Kevin O’Connell Trade Rumors…

That’s four more interceptions than he ever got his hands on during his four seasons with the Cardinals, where Murphy Jr intercepted a total of just 5 passes. Murphy Jr has stepped up his tackle game too. In 2024, he totalled 81 tackles, the most of his career and 24 more than he got in 2023 (57).

Byron Murphy Jr. signed a two-year ($17.5 million) deal, prior to the 2023 season, and he is due for a raise in 2025. With aging veterans like Stephon Gilmore’s and Shaq Griffin’s respective returns up in the air, Murphy Jr. the Minnesota Vikings need a skilled, veteran cornerback they can rely on for the foreseeable future.

Byron Murphy Jr : 4 tackles & an INT pic.twitter.com/b7mM7J7bcm

— Lee Harvey (@MusikFan4Life) November 4, 2024

A former fourth-round pick, Bynum has a career-best three interceptions this season. His 96 tackles didn’t match the 137 he put up last season, but he has cemented himself alongside Smith at the back of the defense.

Related: Another Minnesota Vikings Coach Looking for a Promotion

Still on his rookie deal, four years for just under $4.2 million, Bynum is going to get more than that total on an annual basis. Minnesota needs to continue putting a strong foot forward on the defensive side. Continuity is one way to achieve that.

But football games are played on the field, and on Thursday morning, the NFL announced the 2025 Pro Bowl rosters, and the Vikings had six players make the prestigious list, five were named starters. Quarterback Sam Darnold is the only one who is not a starter.

It’s the longest list of Vikings Pro Bowl selections since 2009. Justin Jefferson makes the NFC roster yet again, something he has accomplished every season of his NFL career. Andrew DePaola is also becoming a regular. On the other hand, most guys will make their first ever appearance, including Sam Darnold.

1. Sam Darnold (QB)*
2. Justin Jefferson (WR)****
3. Byron Murphy Jr (CB)*
4. Andrew Van Ginkel (EDGE)*
5. Jonathan Greenard (EDGE)*
6. Andrew DePaola (LS)***

Of course, the Pro Bowl is not a game anymore. It is now a series of mini-games between the NFC and AFC. Each team receives points for winning each competition. The team with the most points at the end of the day wins.

The “2025 NFL Pro Bowl Games” will be held in Orlando, FL, one week before the Super Bowl (Feb. 2). If the Minnesota Vikings were to play in the Super Bowl, their Pro Bowlers would not attend the Pro Bowl games.

Vikings Pro Bowl alternates

Each team also gets alternate selections, for when the NFL inevitably has to replace Pro Bowlers who can’t make it to Orlando for Super Bowl or personal reasons. There were seven Minnesota Vikings tapped as 2025 NFL Pro Bowl Games” alternates.

• 1st alternate: CJ Ham (FB)
• 3rd alternate: Garrett Bradbury (C)
• 3rd alternate: Josh Metellus (S)
• 4th alternate: TJ Hockenson (TE)
• 4th alternate: Brian O’Neill (RT)
• 4th alternate: Trent Sherfield (ST)
• 6th alternate: Harrison Phillips (DL)

Byron Murphy Jr clinches Vikings win with interception

Luckily, Jameis Winston was playing quarterback for New Orleans and that meant it was just a matter of time before he started throwing passes to the Vikings defense, which he did… twice. The last one was picked off by Byron Murphy Jr and it clinched the game.

Jameis Winston throws ANOTHER interception. The Minnesota defense is happy to take this one.
pic.twitter.com/c99eTx5khB

— Arye Pulli (@AryePulli) November 12, 2023

Harrison Smith gave that interception to Byron Murphy Jr?

The new Minnesota cornerback wasn’t the only Viking in the vicinity of that overthrown Jameis Winston pass, though. Harrison Smith was also converging on it. But in the heat of the moment, with the ball in the air, Harry told Murphy Jr to take it.

Related: How Much Will Kirk Cousins Cost; Could Vikings Get Discount?

I first caught wind of this earlier, when Gabe Henderson (Vikings Entertainment Network) tweeted about it earlier on Wednesday. But later in the day, Byron Murphy Jr confirmed it with a tweet of his own, quoting Smith as saying, “Murph, you go get it”, at the time.

The realest for that ! He said “ murph you go get it” during the play lol but I’ll take it 😂😂 my dawg https://t.co/XS7jMa2BCl

— Byron Murphy JR (@byronmurphy) November 15, 2023

How Harrison Smith was able to compute everything happening around him and still know that he could allow Byron Murphy to take the interception, without worrying about someone else catching it too, is beyond me.

But, that’s why Harry is one of the best safeties to ever play football in world history and I didn’t make it past 8th grade football.